King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:15 Mean?

Psalms 31:15 in the King James Version says “My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”

Psalms 31:15 · King James Version

Context

13

For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

14

But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

15

My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

16

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

17

Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. silent: or, cut off for

Read Psalms 31 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Divine sovereignty over life's chronology while petitioning for deliverance—demonstrating that trusting God's control doesn't eliminate prayer but grounds it. Core Reformed convictions about providence and prayer.

My times are in thy hand declares God's sovereignty over David's life duration, circumstances, seasons. Hebrew 'eth means times, seasons, appointed moments. Plural suggests all of David's times—past, present, future; danger and safety; suffering and joy. All held in God's hand (yad—power, authority, control). This is not deistic observation but intimate, purposeful governance.

Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies juxtaposes God's hand with enemies' hands. Petition assumes God's sovereign hand controls whether enemies' hands succeed. David doesn't pray because circumstances are out of control but precisely because they're under God's control. He appeals to Sovereign to exercise sovereignty on David's behalf.

Reformed theology insists God's sovereignty doesn't eliminate secondary causes (enemies genuinely pursue) but governs them (God determines outcome). Prayer is means God appointed for His people to participate in His providential governance—not changing His mind but conforming to decreed purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

My times are in thy hand resonates with Israel's covenantal understanding. God determined times and seasons of Israel's history—400 years in Egypt, 40 years in wilderness, timing of judges and kings. God's control over times is fundamental to biblical history and prophecy.

Reformers emphasized this doctrine against Renaissance humanism's growing emphasis on human autonomy. Calvin wrote extensively on providence, arguing nothing occurs by chance—all events fall under God's wise governance. This doesn't make God author of sin but affirms He directs even evil toward good ends.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does believing your times are in God's hand affect response to uncertain circumstances?
  2. Why doesn't God's sovereignty eliminate need for prayer? How does prayer function within providence?
  3. What is difference between fatalism (passive resignation) and trusting God's providence (active confidence)?
  4. How does recognizing God's control over timing help when deliverance seems delayed?
  5. In what practical ways can you live out conviction that your times are in God's hand?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מִיַּד1 of 6

“are in thy hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עִתֹּתָ֑י2 of 6

“My times”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤נִי3 of 6

“deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִיַּד4 of 6

“are in thy hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

א֝וֹיְבַ֗י5 of 6

“of mine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

וּמֵרֹדְפָֽי׃6 of 6

“and from them that persecute”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 31:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 31:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:7Ecclesiastes 3:1-8John 17:1John 7:6Psalms 142:6Job 24:1

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